EP0980222B1 - Apparatus for preparing beverages with end of brew phase detection - Google Patents
Apparatus for preparing beverages with end of brew phase detection Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0980222B1 EP0980222B1 EP99900614A EP99900614A EP0980222B1 EP 0980222 B1 EP0980222 B1 EP 0980222B1 EP 99900614 A EP99900614 A EP 99900614A EP 99900614 A EP99900614 A EP 99900614A EP 0980222 B1 EP0980222 B1 EP 0980222B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- period
- heating element
- thermostat
- measuring
- preparing beverages
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
- A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
- A47J31/54—Water boiling vessels in beverage making machines
- A47J31/542—Continuous-flow heaters
- A47J31/545—Control or safety devices
Definitions
- the invention relates to an apparatus for preparing beverages, comprising: a reservoir for holding water, an electric heating element for heating the water, means for the transport of heated water to an outlet opening, a thermostat for turning on and turning off the heating element, and means for measuring an off period of the heating element.
- Such an apparatus particularly a coffee maker
- Said known coffee maker is of the flow-type having its reservoir connected to the outlet opening via a flow pipe which is heated by the heating element.
- the cold water from the reservoir is heated in the flow pipe by means of the heating element and is forced to the outlet opening where the hot water comes into a coffeepot via a filter holder with ground coffee.
- After the reservoir has been filled with cold water and the heating element has been switched on the water is pumped from the-reservoir to the coffeepot.
- the cold water cools the flow pipe, as a result of which the thermostat keeps the heating element turned on continuously. As soon as all the water has passed through the temperature of the flow tube rises until the thermostat cuts off the power supply to the heating element.
- the flow phase or pumping phase is now terminated and the keep-warm phase now begins, in which the thermostat alternately turns the heating element on and off to keep the coffee brew warm.
- the thermostat alternately turns the heating element on and off to keep the coffee brew warm.
- the temperature of the flow pipe rises above the response temperature of the thermostat.
- the thermostat turns off the heating element until the flow pipe has again cooled down sufficiently by the cold water.
- This is that in the case of scale deposit in the flow pipe the thermostat already exhibits a switching behavior in the pumping phase. To some extent this is not a drawback. It merely takes some more time until all the cold water has been pumped off.
- the apparatus further comprises: means for measuring an on period of the heating element, means for determining a ratio between the off period and the on period, and means for activating a mode of operation of the apparatus in response to a predetermined value of the ratio.
- the invention utilizes the fact that in the pumping phase the quotient of the off time and the on time is always smaller than the predetermined value and in the keep-warm phase this quotient is always greater than the predetermined value. This appears from an analysis of a multitude of measurements to different coffee makers, not only of the flow type but also of the boil-and-brew type. Moreover, it has been found that for the predetermined value the value one can be taken, which reduces the implementation of determining the ratio to a comparison of two time periods.
- the thermostat On the basis of the ratio between the on time and the off time thus found various actions can be taken. If the ratio is smaller than the predetermined value the thermostat switches over in the pumping phase and there is possibly scale deposit in the apparatus. If the ratio is greater than the predetermined value the thermostat switches over in the keep-warm phase and a ready signal can be generated to indicate to the user that the coffee is ready. Instead of the ready signal, or in addition thereto, the heating element can be turned off completely, either almost immediately, as is desired for example in the case of an insulated coffee pot, or after a certain time, as is desired for example for safety reasons.
- the switching behavior of the thermostat can be determined in various manners. It is possible by measuring whether the thermostat contact is open or closed, by measuring whether or not a current flows through the heating element, or by measuring temperature changes at the flow pipe or at the heating element.
- FIG. 1 shows a coffee maker of the flow type. Via a flowpipe 6 cold water 4 in a reservoir 2 is pumped to an outlet opening 8 which opens into a filter holder 10 which contains ground coffee. The coffee brew is received in a coffee pot 12.
- the flow pipe 6 is heated by means of an electric heating element 14 which also keeps the coffee pot 12 warm when all the water 4 has been pumped through. As long as there is still water 4 in the flow pipe 6 the heating by means of the heating element 14 results in the water 4 being pumped to the outlet opening 8 and hot water dripping into the coffee pot 12 via the ground coffee in the filter holder 10.
- the keep-warm phase begins and the flow pipe 6 is no longer cooled, as a result of which the temperature of the flow pipe 6 begins to rise.
- the temperature rise is detected by a thermostat 16 which is thermally coupled to the flow pipe 6 and which has an electrical contact arranged in series with the heating element 14. The contact opens when the temperature of the flow pipe 6 exceeds a first temperature and the contact closes when the temperature has decreased below a second temperature, which is generally lower than the first temperature.
- the contact of the thermostat 16 changes over continually between the open state and the closed state.
- the thermostat 16 can be constructed as an electromechanical switch having contacts actuated by a bimetal or as a fully electronic temperature controller based on a temperature sensor and an electronic device for controlling the heating element 14.
- Figure 2 represents the switching behavior of the thermostat 16 under normal circumstances in which the flow pipe 6 is cooled to such an extent by the influx of cold water 4 that the contact of the thermostat 16 never opens in the pumping phase I and the temperature TMP of the flow pipe 6 is substantially constant.
- the switching behavior of the thermostat 16 is represented by means of a bivalent signal SW, the off periods being indicated by toff and the on periods by ton. In the keep-warm phase II the off period toff is longer than the on period ton.
- FIG 3 represents the switching behavior of the thermostat 16 under circumstances in which the flow pipe 6 is clogged by scale deposit to such an extent that the heat transfer to the cold water 4 is inadequate and the flow pipe 6 becomes so hot that the thermostat 16 opens the contact and turns off the heating element 14.
- the thermostat 16 cools rapidly and the contact is closed again.
- the thermostat 16 already begins to change over continually in the pumping phase I but as a result of the rapid cooling the off period toff is shorter than the on period ton. Under these circumstances it will take longer before all the cold water 4 has been pumped off and eventually the keep-warm phase II begins, in which the conditions are substantially the same as in the keep-warm phase II in Figure 2.
- the effect of scale deposit in the flow pipe 6 is now insignificant.
- the switching behavior of the thermostat is an indication of the phase in which the coffee-making process is. If the off period toff is shorter than the on period ton, the coffee-making process is in the pumping phase I and there is or may be scale deposit in the flow pipe 6: Situation 1. Conversely, if the off period toff is longer than the on period ton, the coffee-making process is in the keep-warm phase II: Situation 2. From the change from Situation 1 to Situation 2, or just on the basis of Situation 2, the conclusion may be drawn that the keep-warm phase II has begun and a signal can be given to indicate that the coffee is ready or that the heating element 14 can be turned off permanently, as is required in the case of coffee makers having an insulated coffee pot.
- a signal can be given to indicate that there is scale deposit in the appliance and that de-scaling is necessary. Signalling can be effected visually, for example by means of a flashlight or by means of a suitable indication on a display, or acoustically, for example by means of a buzzer.
- FIG 4 shows the electrical circuit diagram of a coffee maker in accordance with the invention.
- the voltage across the thermostat 16 is monitored by a control unit CTRL.
- the absence or presence of voltage is comparable to the inverse of the signal SW in Figures 2 and 3. No or a low voltage indicates that the contact of the thermostat 16 is closed; otherwise, the contact is open.
- the control unit CTRL measures the on period ton and the off period toff of the thermostat 16, calculates the ratio between these two time periods, drives a visual display 18 or a buzzer 20 in dependence upon the calculated ratio, or turns off the heating element 14 permanently by means of a switch 22 in series with the heating element 14.
- a variation of the voltage across the contact of the thermostat 16 it is possible to measure a variation of the current through the heating element 14 by means of a sensing resistor 46 in series with the heating element 14 or by means of a current transformer (not shown).
- FIG. 5 shows the block diagram of a possible implementation of the time measuring and calculating section of the control unit CTRL.
- the first time that the contact of the thermostat opens a flip-flop 24 is triggered via a buffer 26 which is controlled by a signal comparable to the signal SW.
- an output of the flip-flop 24 triggers a 1 Hz oscillator 28 whose counting pulses are applied to a first counter 32 via a change-over switch 30 for the one value of the signal SW and to a second counter 34 via said switch for the other value of the signal SW.
- the first counter 32 thus counts the number of seconds that the contact of the thermostat 16 is open (toff) and the second counter 34 counts the number of seconds that the contact of the thermostat 16 is closed (ton).
- the counts of the two counters are compared with one another in a logic comparator 36 and at the instant at which the contact of the thermostat 16 opens again the outputs 38, 40 give an indication whether the afore-mentioned Situation 1 or Situation 2 occurs.
- the flip-flop 24, the first counter 32 and the second counter 34 are reset by a signal por from a system power-up reset unit 42.
- the analysis of the on periods and the off periods can also be effected by means of software with a microcontroller under control of a suitable program.
- FIG. 6 shows a coffee maker of the boil-and-brew type in which the water is boiled first and is then fed to the outlet opening in a measured-out manner.
- the water 4 in the reservoir 2 is heated by the heating element 14 mounted against the bottom of the reservoir 2.
- the hot water is fed into the filter holder 10 which contains the ground coffee.
- the coffee brew is received in the coffee pot 12, which is kept warm by means of a heating element 56.
- Scale deposit on the bottom of the reservoir 2 reduces the transfer of heat to the water 4, as a result of which the thermostat 16 will exhibit a switching behavior similar to that in a coffee maker of the flow type.
- the invention is neither limited to coffee makers but can also be used for making tea or any other beverage.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)
- Soy Sauces And Products Related Thereto (AREA)
Abstract
Description
means for measuring an on period of the heating element, means for determining a ratio between the off period and the on period, and means for activating a mode of operation of the apparatus in response to a predetermined value of the ratio.
Claims (8)
- An apparatus for preparing beverages, comprising: a reservoir (2) for holding water (4), an electric heating element (14) for heating the water (4), means (6; 52, 54) for the transport of heated water to an outlet opening (8), a thermostat (16) for turning on and turning off the heating element (14), and means (CTRL, 32) for measuring an off period of the heating element (14), characterized in that the apparatus further comprises: means (CTRL, 34) for measuring an on period of the heating element, means (36) for determining a ratio between the off period and the on period, and means for activating a mode of operation of the apparatus in response to a predetermined value of the ratio.
- An apparatus for preparing beverages as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined value is substantially equal to unity.
- An apparatus for preparing beverages as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the means for activating include a signalling means (18, 20) for indicating scale deposit in the means for transport (6) when the ratio between the off period and the on period is smaller than the predetermined value.
- An apparatus for preparing beverages as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the means for activating include a signalling means (18, 20) for indicating completion of the transport of water (4) through the means for transport (6) when the ratio between the off period and the on period is greater than the predetermined value.
- An apparatus for preparing beverages as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the means for activating include a device (22) for turning off the heating element (14) when the ratio between the off period and the on period is greater than the predetermined value.
- An apparatus for preparing beverages as claimed in Claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the means for measuring the on period and the off period include means (16, CTRL) for measuring a variation of a voltage across a switching contact of the thermostat (16).
- An apparatus for preparing beverages as claimed in Claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the means for measuring the on period and the off period include means (46, CTRL) for measuring a variation of a current through the heating element (14).
- An apparatus for preparing beverages as claimed in Claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the means for measuring the on period and the off period include means (44, CTRL) for measuring a temperature variation of the means for transport (6) or the heating element (14).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP99900614A EP0980222B1 (en) | 1998-02-09 | 1999-01-28 | Apparatus for preparing beverages with end of brew phase detection |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP98200397 | 1998-02-09 | ||
EP98200397 | 1998-02-09 | ||
PCT/IB1999/000169 WO1999039619A1 (en) | 1998-02-09 | 1999-01-28 | Apparatus for preparing beverages with end of brew phase detection |
EP99900614A EP0980222B1 (en) | 1998-02-09 | 1999-01-28 | Apparatus for preparing beverages with end of brew phase detection |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0980222A1 EP0980222A1 (en) | 2000-02-23 |
EP0980222B1 true EP0980222B1 (en) | 2002-09-18 |
Family
ID=8233374
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP99900614A Expired - Lifetime EP0980222B1 (en) | 1998-02-09 | 1999-01-28 | Apparatus for preparing beverages with end of brew phase detection |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6082245A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0980222B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2001522294A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1122489C (en) |
AT (1) | ATE224165T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69902977T2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1999039619A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (41)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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DE10010488C2 (en) * | 2000-03-03 | 2002-08-01 | Bsh Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete | Method and device for determining the calcification state of water heaters in electrical household appliances |
US7418899B2 (en) * | 2001-02-08 | 2008-09-02 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
US7243598B2 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2007-07-17 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
GB2397494B (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2005-03-02 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages and method of manufacturing a cartridge |
US7322277B2 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2008-01-29 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Cartridge and method for the preparation of beverages |
US7255039B2 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2007-08-14 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Machine for the preparation of beverages |
US7640843B2 (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2010-01-05 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Cartridge and method for the preparation of beverages |
US7213506B2 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2007-05-08 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
US7533604B2 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2009-05-19 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Cartridge system for the preparation of beverages and method of manufacturing said system |
US7097074B2 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2006-08-29 | Kraft Foods R&D, Inc. | Machine for the preparation of beverages |
US7340990B2 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2008-03-11 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Cartridge and method for the preparation of beverages |
US7328651B2 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2008-02-12 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
US7219598B2 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2007-05-22 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
US7287461B2 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2007-10-30 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
US7607385B2 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2009-10-27 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Machine for the preparation of beverages |
US7592027B2 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2009-09-22 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Method for the preparation of beverages |
US7316178B2 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2008-01-08 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Machine for the preparation of beverages |
US7231869B2 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2007-06-19 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc. | Machine for the preparation of beverages |
US7533603B2 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2009-05-19 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
DE602004008637T2 (en) * | 2003-07-15 | 2008-06-12 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | COFFEE MAKER FOR GREAT HEIGHTS |
GB2413480B (en) | 2004-02-17 | 2006-08-30 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | An insert and a system for the preparation of beverages |
GB2411106B (en) * | 2004-02-17 | 2006-11-22 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Cartridge for the preparation of beverages |
GB2411105B (en) | 2004-02-17 | 2006-08-30 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | An insert and a system for the preparation of beverages |
GB2413479B (en) | 2004-02-17 | 2006-06-28 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | An insert and a system for the preparation of beverages |
NL1026437C2 (en) * | 2004-06-17 | 2005-12-20 | Sara Lee De Nv | A system for preparing portions of a drink suitable for consumption. |
DE202004020907U1 (en) * | 2004-09-24 | 2006-05-24 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Espresso or coffee pad machine has heater for water pumped from tank and, after heating, into brewing chamber whose outlet has temperature sensor connected to control which switches off pump or heater when temperature rises too far |
NL1028133C2 (en) | 2005-01-27 | 2006-07-31 | Sara Lee De Nv | Method and device for preparing a drink suitable for consumption. |
US7337704B2 (en) * | 2005-05-25 | 2008-03-04 | Sunbeam Products, Inc. | Single serve beverage maker with coordinated heating and pumping periods |
US8360635B2 (en) * | 2007-01-09 | 2013-01-29 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | System and method for using one or more thermal sensor probes for flow analysis, flow assurance and pipe condition monitoring of a pipeline for flowing hydrocarbons |
GB2447024A (en) * | 2007-02-27 | 2008-09-03 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | A dispensing machine for hot or cold drinks |
GB2449630B (en) * | 2007-05-18 | 2010-01-06 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Beverage preparation machines and methods for operating beverage preparation machines |
GB2449422B (en) | 2007-05-18 | 2009-09-16 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Improvements in or relating to beverage preparation machines |
GB2463350B (en) | 2007-05-18 | 2010-07-28 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Improvements in or relating to beverage preparation machines |
GB2449421B (en) | 2007-05-18 | 2009-09-09 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Improvements in or relating to beverage preparation machines |
GB2449213B (en) | 2007-05-18 | 2011-06-29 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | Improvements in or relating to beverage preparation machines and beverage cartridges |
CN103596479B (en) * | 2011-05-19 | 2016-10-19 | 皇家飞利浦有限公司 | For the method and apparatus making beverage |
USD677510S1 (en) | 2011-06-16 | 2013-03-12 | Calphalon Corporation | Coffee maker |
FR3022445B1 (en) * | 2014-06-24 | 2016-07-01 | Seb Sa | METHOD FOR TURNING OFF A HOT DRINKING PREPARATION APPARATUS |
US20160000252A1 (en) | 2014-07-02 | 2016-01-07 | As Wilfa | Pump and heating method and arrangement for coffee brewing |
CN111065277A (en) | 2017-07-11 | 2020-04-24 | 努布鲁有限责任公司 | Method and apparatus for improving consistency of espresso |
EP4278942A1 (en) * | 2022-05-17 | 2023-11-22 | Whirlpool Corporation | Determining calcification in a household appliance |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3427948A1 (en) * | 1984-07-28 | 1986-02-06 | Braun Ag, 6000 Frankfurt | METHOD FOR OPERATING A COFFEE MACHINE AND COFFEE MACHINE FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD |
US4838152A (en) * | 1988-07-21 | 1989-06-13 | Black & Decker | Auto-off coffee brewing system |
DE4116618A1 (en) * | 1991-05-22 | 1992-11-26 | Braun Ag | CONTINUOUS HEATER FOR A MACHINE FOR PRODUCING BREW BEVERAGES |
DE4337425A1 (en) * | 1992-12-03 | 1994-06-09 | Philips Electronics Nv | Coffee machine with two switches for different temp. settings - incorporates microprocessor in control of second temp. switch with allowance for duration of warm-up to first temp. |
FR2701374B1 (en) * | 1993-02-10 | 1995-04-14 | Moulinex Sa | Control device for an electrical household appliance intended for the preparation of infused drinks. |
US5549035A (en) * | 1994-04-12 | 1996-08-27 | Simatelex Manufactory Co., Ltd. | Coffee making machines |
-
1999
- 1999-01-28 DE DE69902977T patent/DE69902977T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-01-28 JP JP54018699A patent/JP2001522294A/en active Pending
- 1999-01-28 CN CN99800503.7A patent/CN1122489C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-01-28 EP EP99900614A patent/EP0980222B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-01-28 WO PCT/IB1999/000169 patent/WO1999039619A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1999-01-28 AT AT99900614T patent/ATE224165T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1999-02-03 US US09/243,717 patent/US6082245A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE69902977T2 (en) | 2003-05-22 |
US6082245A (en) | 2000-07-04 |
JP2001522294A (en) | 2001-11-13 |
CN1122489C (en) | 2003-10-01 |
ATE224165T1 (en) | 2002-10-15 |
EP0980222A1 (en) | 2000-02-23 |
CN1263446A (en) | 2000-08-16 |
DE69902977D1 (en) | 2002-10-24 |
WO1999039619A1 (en) | 1999-08-12 |
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